Shito-Ryo Dojo Kun

The Dojo Kun has been passed down from master to master for many years laying down the rules of the dojo and to give guidance to karate ka not only inside the dojo but also in their everyday lives, but beware there are many variations and translations of the Dojo Kun.

Each rules starts with the same word ‘Hitotsu’ this can be translated as ‘one’ or more commonly seen as ‘first’ believed to mean that all rules are of equal importance. Below is the most common English translation of the dojo kun keeping as close to the original as possible, below that is a very terse translation of the dojo kun used by some karate ka.

English Translation

Each person must strive for the perfection of one’s character
Each person must be faithful and protect the way of truth
Each person must endeavour (fostering the spirit of effort)
Each person must respect others and the rules of etiquette
Each person must refrain from violent behaviour